Metal Gear Solid was a landmark title that redefined both the Playstation Era and videogames the world over. For the first time, gamers could control and take part in an interactive movie that was complete with intelligent storylines, characters and tight gameplay. When the Playstation 2 was announced many dreamt of Solid Snake in 128 bit glory. Konami kept quiet and for some time many thought the series would not return. Then I particularly remember being at E3 1999 and I caught Hideo Kojima taking video footage of the PS2 demos. I found it strange that one of the most powerful men in the industry had to resort to taking video when he should have had development kits by that time. Even I started to wonder what was going on. Then as well all know, the cat was let out of the bag and it was announced that Solid Snake would return for one more adventure. The gaming press and public was teased with screen shots and very selective story elements. Next, came the incredible demo packed in with Zone Of The Enders. E3 2001 rolled around and Kojima showcased some more videos and screen shots and then vowed not to discuss the game any further. We had to wait another 6 months for its release. That date came on November 13 when for the first time, North American gamers had the opportunity over their Japanese counterparts to play the game first. Now after spending a considerable amount of time with the final product, it is hard to write a review without spoiling anything for you. Therefore, this review will be an overview of the entire experience. If we spoiled the numerous surprising events that unfold, the whole experience would be ruined.

The graphics in MGS2 make good on the promises made from Konami. If you thought the demo looked good, then you are in for a treat. Everything has been tightened to the point that no game has ever looked this polished. You will even notice subtle improvements to scenes in the demo that are now even more detailed. The game is generally dark like MGS but this time the textures are more varied to convey a militaristic feeling. The environments are extremely interactive as demonstrated in the demo. You can open all kinds of door and interact with most things. Go near a hand dryer in the bathroom and it will go on. Blast a mirror and the pieces spread everywhere. Even the characters have been meticulously designed right down to fine details such has strands of hair blowing in the wind. The enemy soldiers are incredibly lifelike in how they move, talk and react to the slightest sound. Water effects are incredible, whether it is rain coming down on your face or the blurred motion effects used while under water. The actions in the game can get quite violent, thus the visuals portray this violence quite well. Some scenes may be too intense for younger gamers, after all MGS2 is aimed at the 18 and above demographic. Simply put, this is the best looking Playstation 2 title at the moment. As with the last MGS title, Konami made sure to hire solid voice talent. David Hayter returns as the voice of Snake and while he does a terrific job, it is not quite as good as his original performance in MGS. This holds true for most of the voice talent, they are good but somehow diminish as the story unfolds. Whether this is a fault of the overall plot or a rushed voice session remains unclear.

Veterans of MGS will be happy to know that MGS2 has got more of the same - sneaking around, distracting and taking out guards, and taking advantage of situations when possible. Don't worry, MGS2 offers a number of new features to make it stand out from the original. A first-person mode has been included and is essential in clearing the game. Precise aiming is instrumental against bosses, in sniping scenarios and taking out various people and objects in such ways as to avoid detection. The developers use these and other enhancements sporadically through the game. Some maneuvers will only be useful to you in the first couple hours of gameplay and useless later on. The control scheme is at times pliable while at others a touch on the complicated side. For example, during some boss battles you find yourself running around with your gun drawn, shooting in first person mode and then having to switch to another weapon. Then you may have to switch views and look in another direction. It can get quite hectic and frustrating. Nevertheless, they do get some taking used to and the first portion of the game should get you used to the system. Now you can drag bodies, open and close lockers to hide the bodies or yourself, hang off ledges, do pull-ups on ledges to gain strength, punch, kick, strangle, break necks, swim, climb small and large objects, peek around corners, and still duck and crawl. The controls are very similar to MGS except now there are a lot more options to choose from in each category. The weapon selection is admirable but could have been a lot deeper. Unexpectedly, humor plays a big role throughout the game. It is similar to any large action picture whereby one liners and various actions are barely forced to invoke laughter and break the tension of the story. Some of these are visual gags that older gamers will appreciate.

My main issue with the game comes in the form of its ever changing plot. It is difficult to go into this in detail without leaking some spoilers but I believe when it comes down to it, either gamers will really enjoy or hate how the story plays itself out. I personally felt that it got out of hand towards the conclusion of the game. There are just too many twists and turns to take it seriously. And perhaps this type over dramatic closure is what still plagues Japanese developers trying to make an American idealized game while trying to put forth some sort of humanistic statement. Nevertheless, you are guaranteed some very surprising events that will pull you closer into the overall scheme of things. At times cheesy, but for the most part everything comes across believable.

MGS2 is not one of those games that you clear and then throw in the drawer. After finishing it the first time, we were ready to start it up again. The first time through the game on the normal setting you are looking at anywhere from 15 to 20 hours. This can be fast tracked if you skip through the cut scenes and dialogue. However, doing so will definitely demise the storyline and will ultimately confuse you on what exactly is going on. On the successive trips through the game, you may want to cut to the chase. There are a number of hidden gems throughout the game which will bring you back on more than one occasion. Perhaps the inclusion of the ability to collect dog tags is good enough to keep you coming back. Last Spring Konami ran a contest on its webpage in Japan seeking people to enter their name and blood type. Some of those names have been included in the game in the form of dog tags found on enemies. In order to get the dog tags you must hold up each enemy by drawing your gun up close. The guard then gives them to you. This is a lot more difficult than it seems as guards are a lot smarter than you would expect. Let your guard down for one second and they will attack you and call for back up.

So there you have it - MGS2 lives up to and surpasses the hype build up. Even though the plot may leave a lot to be desired, the gameplay and overall experience is true to Hideo Kojima's vision. I would really like to see this franchise make its way to the silver screen with the backing of someone like Jerry Bruckheimer who knows what to do with a story like this. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty is truly the must have title on any console this holiday season. Just be aware that the game is aimed at the mature demographic and not children. I am already salivating at the prospect of seeing the franchise make its way onto XBOX.